WAHM Forums

Is it true that employers wont consider people that have been out of work more than six months?
Even with unemployment so high you would think that they wouldn't think that was a big deal? Also does the date that you left your pervious employer show on background check? Also in California does anybody know how long the unemployment is extended to?
Thanks

I would say that just being unemployed in general would be a negative, not dependent on time. The (possibly unfortunate) fact is that employers tend to want to hire candidates in demand (already employed). As far as national unemployment rates go, the scenario makes it even worse for unemployed individuals because those people already employed will just get more hours to work, taking up the extra work after others are laid off. So, those who have jobs, really have "jobs" with tons of work being available.

I guess the key is to spin the unemployment as positively as possible. "After being laid off from ___ and not finding an immediate position, I was forced to reevaluate my career goals. Now, I'm enjoying volunteering ____ hrs/wk at ____, a cause that I'm really passionate about." I mean you have to fill in something on your down time to minimize the negative impact of being unemployed.

Tiki, unfortunately, that's been my experience. Even though I have a college degree, I've been a SAHM for over 11 years, and have been trying to get a job for over 7 months, with no luck. No one will even give me a chance.

Is it true that employers wont consider people that have been out of work more than six months?
Even with unemployment so high you would think that they wouldn't think that was a big deal? Also does the date that you left your pervious employer show on background check? Also in California does anybody know how long the unemployment is extended to?
Thanks

It is true that this is a trend among some employers but I honestly don't believe that all employers have this attitude. I agree with wahmt, the key is to come across as confident on your resume and let potential employers know how you have been occupying your time lately. I cannot believe that there employers out there who do not have the brains to take the current job and economic conditions we are all dealing with into consideration (but apparently there are).

The problem is with the HR recruiters and HR people in general. THEY are the ones who will dismiss your resume if you have been out more than six months. Try to get your cover letter and resume to a deaprtment head or a hiring manager directly. (This makes me think of a Dilbert cartoon I saw where a candidate is being interviewed for the position of HR Director and they ask, "Do you view humans as meaningless insects?")

There was a guy online who would pose as a fake employment reference for people for a fee - LOL! But he's gone now, maybe too many employers caught on to him, what shame.

This little if-you've-been-more-than-six-months-I-won't-talk-to-you trend really stinks. What a cynical, nasty and depressing attitude. But lets have faith that we will all overcome this economic time in our history.

Katey

Unfortunately, there are many many people who are unemployed through no fault of their own. It's been a tough economy. From what I've read though, there is some discrimination against people who are unemployed when it comes to hiring. I think it's wrong and unfortunate, but some employers would rather hire someone who is currently employed.

You may want to consider developing a functional resume, that plays up your skills and experience more than your dates of employment.

Good luck. :)

I don't believe that is true; its good to note gap reasons on your resume.

A few years back I had like a 8 month gap in my employment due to a medical illness. However, on my resumes I always note at the bottom in the footer, the reason for any gaps in my employment... I've never had a problem getting hired.....

Any time a recruiter have to scratch their head about your resume... it decreases your chance in getting hired; even if you are highly qualified and experienced. Never leave room for question.. cross all "t"s and dot all "i"s.

I have heard this same thing many times. I know that many companies that I used to work for would not want to see any type of gaps in your employment history. Whether you were laid off or took the time off for personal reasons.

You can creatively explain a gap of more then 6 months to a place that you are applying. One thing to point out would be classes and training that you have taken to improvement your skills over the time that you were off.

Yes, many employers are irrationally attached to only accepting employed applicants - like many things these days, companies don't want to have to use their own time and effort to determine if a candidate is suitable, they rely on others to do that for them.

An excellent hedge against this discrimination? Self-employed freelance work. Simply claim you've been engaged in independent freelance work for various clients and are now desiring more regular and predictable employment. Not as good as a conventional employment history, but it at least demonstrates you are and have been useful in the field vs. staying at home with kids or unsuccessfully looking for conventional work.

I agree w/those who have said account for your time and put a positive spin on the lack of actual current work experience. Were you freelancing or doing IC work, document that, if though it's not verifiable, it still accounts for your time. Now this was 10 years ago, but I had a five year gap when I was a stay at home mom. I put on my resume "sabbatical to raise a family and documened volunteer efforts, I had no problems once I returned to work, although, my pay scale did drop. What ever your particular situation is, just don't leave a gap in your resume. With respect to unemployment in CA, I think this is the correct link to answer your question Overview - Unemployment Insurance (http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/) Best wishes

I have been unemployed for 9 months but have used the down time to do free e-courses and freelance writing. Even though the freelance writing doesnt pay me much it at least fills in the blank period of time. Plus I feel like it adds a nice extra to my resume. :D

Maybe you should consider a position as an independent contractor instead of directly applying for employment. This is an idea to fill in the gaps and you have to be creative. If you were really busy but have valuable skills to offer, focus on and highlight your strengths. Confidence wins employers over.

Maybe you should consider a position as an independent contractor instead of directly applying for employment. This is an idea to fill in the gaps and you have to be creative. If you were really busy but have valuable skills to offer, focus on and highlight your strengths. Confidence wins employers over.

Yes, I have found more success with freelance writing than I did with anything else.

I looked for a job in the B&M world for almost a year. I had no luck. It finally dawned on me that no one was going to give me a chance. I had a new degree and over three year's experience running my own business, and still no one would hire me. It may or may not be related to the lapse of time. It is tough out there, but many are hiring. There are new jobs posted almost daily here and at Work Place Like Home (http://www.workplacelikehome.com). Keep trying. If I knew what your skills were, I might know where to direct you.

I just don't think it's fair to judge someone that has been out of work for more than six months and that it's a bad thing! You never know what the situation is. I do understand a lot of employers do look at that! With the way the economy is, why wouldn't someone be out of work? It's obvious! No jobs and no one is hiring!

Even though you have been out of "work " for 11 years, your job as a stay at home mom is still a JOB that can be put on your resume. You can use a general job description similar to a nanny. Here are some examples of job descriptions: Budgeting. preparing meals, performing household duties, scheduling pertinent appointments with dr, school, etc... Have you volunteered anywhere or engaged in any community events? If so, than can be applied to your resume as well.

I just don't think it's fair to judge someone that has been out of work for more than six months and that it's a bad thing! You never know what the situation is. I do understand a lot of employers do look at that! With the way the economy is, why wouldn't someone be out of work? It's obvious! No jobs and no one is hiring!

I agree. It's totally unfair. But unfortuntely a number of employers do it.

I have read that employers look for people that have a job already or just finished school. It is hard to find a job while being out of work for a while. Being a stay at home mom is great and we are considered a homemaker. Also, doing work from home is also something to put on your resume. Never leave a gap in your work history.
I was also told that it helps to know people or go directly to the person who is hiring. In person is alsways best :) It is unfair because we have qualities that many people don't have and should be considered for any job. There are lots of job opportunities on this site and great advice...all the best in your search!!

Jessica

I agree w/those who have said account for your time and put a positive spin on the lack of actual current work experience. Were you freelancing or doing IC work, document that, if though it's not verifiable, it still accounts for your time. Now this was 10 years ago, but I had a five year gap when I was a stay at home mom. I put on my resume "sabbatical to raise a family and documened volunteer efforts, I had no problems once I returned to work, although, my pay scale did drop. What ever your particular situation is, just don't leave a gap in your resume. With respect to unemployment in CA, I think this is the correct link to answer your question Overview - Unemployment Insurance (http://www.edd.ca.gov/Unemployment/) Best wishes

The other thing is that if I take a temp job that is only part time(20 hours vs 40 hours) for 3 months that would mess up my unemployment because I you would only get paid unemployment for being part time vs being full time which is quite a difference in how much money you get. So therefore only long term temp job would work... but like you say I could put something else on my resume from when I got laid off... like volunteer work for that time...I suppose...Do you know if when an employer does a background check does it show what day you were laid off?...Also I have been on a couple of interviews and I think that they are discrimination against my age...being in my 50's although I've been told i look in my 40's. Thanks for the suggestions!

Tiki, unfortunately, that's been my experience. Even though I have a college degree, I've been a SAHM for over 11 years, and have been trying to get a job for over 7 months, with no luck. No one will even give me a chance.

I have not worked since Oct 2004 and began applying to jobs again three weeks ago. All three jobs I applied to, no response. It could have been the hours I asked for because I watch my twins in the morning before they go to school and after.

I too have a Bachelors degree and it seems to not mean anything, especially the paper it was printed on anymore.Very sad...but I keep on applying..

Employment agencies can be the way to go when you are trying to re-enter the workforce and when you have gaps in your employment history. And sometimes going through an employment agency can lead to a permanent position. Unless a good wah opportunity opens up soon I may sign up with an agency.

This little trend regaring hiring unemployed people stinks but I guess there will be people out there who will the power they have in a not-very-nice way.


Katey

I can attest that there is some truth to this.

I can tell you from my own experience that a very high percentage of the "unemployed" I hire end of resigning from my company within weeks of being employed.

Within days of their leaving I am hit with an EDD report that states my account will be paying them unemployment insurance. I don't get it, but it happens constantly.

My suspicion is that the applicant filled out an application with my company because he or she is required to in order to retain unemployment benefits. In this case, my giving that applicant a job is somewhat of an inconvenience to him or her.

After 11 years of experience with this I have learned to be very hesitant about hiring the unemployed. It's sad, but a small business owner has to be very defensive and look for the best possible candidates for employment.

In my opinion, the best candidates are those who are currently working. It's a bonus if you find an applicant who has held his or her current position for a year or more.

I can attest that there is some truth to this.

I can tell you from my own experience that a very high percentage of the "unemployed" I hire end of resigning from my company within weeks of being employed.

Within days of their leaving I am hit with an EDD report that states my account will be paying them unemployment insurance. I don't get it, but it happens constantly.

My suspicion is that the applicant filled out an application with my company because he or she is required to in order to retain unemployment benefits. In this case, my giving that applicant a job is somewhat of an inconvenience to him or her.

After 11 years of experience with this I have learned to be very hesitant about hiring the unemployed. It's sad, but a small business owner has to be very defensive and look for the best possible candidates for employment.

In my opinion, the best candidates are those who are currently working. It's a bonus if you find an applicant who has held his or her current position for a year or more.

Wow! I had no idea this was happening! Thank you for sharing this insight. I am sorry it is happening that way.

I must say that I do not think so at all. I had been unemployed since 2004 and did not get hired until 2009. Five years, and they did not care.

I work for Alpine Access.

You cannot live in California, though.

I can see where you are coming from, I suppose....but maybe if you give more people a chance in this economy, they might turn out to be a gem.




I had been unemployed for years, and was hired by a fairly new company..but they are growing...maybe that is why they gave me a chance.

I hope the best for all the job seekers!!! Rooting for you!

Mystery shopping will at least put money in your pocket. You do not get "hired". Just do the shops and you get paid. I love it.

If you need my totally cool link, PM me.

with you Katey... So sad.

Responding to the first response on this subject, I've found another way that people abuse their states unemployment payments. It is similar, but slightly different.

I've had home businesses for several years. I frequently receive applications, or requests for interviews, from prospects. Many I am never able to reach, by phone or email. Along the same line as stated above, I believe they submit the forms simply to fill their weekly "quota" of applications.

Responding to the first response on this subject, I've found another way that people abuse their states unemployment payments. It is similar, but slightly different.

I've had home businesses for several years. I frequently receive applications, or requests for interviews, from prospects. Many I am never able to reach, by phone or email. Along the same line as stated above, I believe they submit the forms simply to fill their weekly "quota" of applications.

Perhaps you can submit the names to the Unemployment Office to let them know what is happening. I thought you couldn't get unemployment unless you were let go, not if you quit am I missing something here?

Also, I think another reason is that employers are afraid that you have lost your skills. But in any case it shouldn't be based on how long you have been unemployed it should be on the fact that you can do the job.

I can attest that there is some truth to this.

I can tell you from my own experience that a very high percentage of the "unemployed" I hire end of resigning from my company within weeks of being employed.

Within days of their leaving I am hit with an EDD report that states my account will be paying them unemployment insurance. I don't get it, but it happens constantly.

My suspicion is that the applicant filled out an application with my company because he or she is required to in order to retain unemployment benefits. In this case, my giving that applicant a job is somewhat of an inconvenience to him or her.

After 11 years of experience with this I have learned to be very hesitant about hiring the unemployed. It's sad, but a small business owner has to be very defensive and look for the best possible candidates for employment.

In my opinion, the best candidates are those who are currently working. It's a bonus if you find an applicant who has held his or her current position for a year or more.

This is a good point of view to bring out, but I wouldn't agree that its the best method to use when recruiting.

Clearly if someone has had 5 jobs in the last year, that would not be a good candidate; and at the same time, people do simply apply for jobs just to continue drawing unemployment... but that is not the case for everyone. Some people are sincerely looking for work.. because employment benefits do run out.

However, from a recruiters point of view... I would never hire anyone who has had a huge gap in employment without an explanation first. That is why it is always important to note on your resume the reason for your gap.

When I was recruiting, I had tons of resumes coming in on a daily basis for various positions. If I looked at your resume and had to question anything about it or wonder about something, you was automatically put to the side. Those that I could look at and see a clear history of their employment, education and skills were the ones that I considered "prospects".

At the same time, if I received a resume and there was a gap in employment, but there was a note on either the application or the resume explaining the gap, I would consider that person if I felt they were qualified.

Recruiters really don't have the time to fetch information. Always remember that there are 3 key things that a recruiter is seeking for (normally in this order):

#1 - Stability
#2 - Experience
#3 - Skills

If you have stability, normally a recruiter looks at this a loyalty. Your level of loyalty is normally judged based on the length to time you have been on a job. Never jump from job to job or leave without proper notice.

Experience is typically the next thing. Are you qualified? Have you done this type of work before? If you don't have the experience, sometimes your skills can get you in the door.

With some positions you may have not actually worked in the same industry but you have worked in the same field. For example, you may have worked in insurance sales, but you have never sold a house. Because of your selling ability, your are qualified by your skills; making you trainable for their position, if training is available.

So when it boils down to it, stability is the key and solid work history is ideal. And like I stated before, always, always explain your gaps in employment. You'll be surprised how far it take you! :D

Smartchic has some great pointers to offer you. I suggest that you get some freelance internet work or any position in a related field to the one you want to be in, even if you are underemployed in it, so that you can show employability. Some people refuse to take a position waiting on that 'dream job' thinking that certain work is beneath them. In this economy, getting a job is easier when you have a job. So if you need to work, land somewhere quickly, and then serach to move up into a bigger, better job from there.